Fire damages Rockford galvanizing plant

ROCKFORD — A commercial fire caused about $250,000 in damages Saturday morning at Roger Brothers Galvanizing, 2007 Kishwaukee St. Firefighters were called about 10:05 a.m.

Upon arrival they found heavy fire in the one-story structure and learned some welding had taken place inside the plant when a small fire started, said Rockford Fire District Chief James Rife. Employees tried to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher, but could not do so before it spread.

Rife also said there were several chemicals involved such as sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide and hydraulic fluid. The Rockford Fire Hazardous-Material Team and Rockford Public Works were called to the scene to evaluate environmental concerns.

As many as 32 firefighters were on scene before the fire was deemed under control at 10:45 a.m.

A preliminary investigation shows the fire was accidental.

Rogers Brothers Galvanizing, since 1898, specializes in hot-dip galvanizing for a variety of products.